He has authored or co-authored over 200 articles and 7 books, including Human Frailty, Vice, and Suffering: Flourishing in the Context of Limits and Dependency (in press, APA Books), Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Psychological Issues (2013, McGraw-Hill), Critical Thinking About Psychology: Hidden Assumptions and Plausible Alternatives (2005, APA Books), Critical Issues in Psychotherapy: Translating New Ideas into Practice (2001, Sage Publications), Whats Behind the Research? We started to hear rumors about the founder of the school, Lionel J. Mitchell, and his previous program, Aldredge Academy, which was shut down after a student killed himself. In her spare time, she enjoys the adventures of the outdoors with her family and friends; horseback riding through the beautiful WV countryside, kayaking the Greenbrier River and camping. From 2000 until2013, she traveled to Russia several times a year with a team of 12 young adults to provide supplies, aid and most importantly love to the institutionalized children. It provides behavioral and academic recovery. Staff is not helpful but instead judgmental and i did not feel safe or cared about in this environment in the slightest, please look into better boarding schools that will benefit your daughter, thank you , I was a past student at Greenbrier and coming out of the woods i did think the school was very good but after being there for 8 months and it being my 7th treatment center and it was the worst out of all, the teachers didnt seem to conect with many of the kids or they would push their problems to the side if it interferes with what their doing, the new staff they got in the last few months dont seem qualified to work with us they were very disrespectful at times and although there was some great staff theres only about 5 good ones left so its a very bad combo and the treatment center treats kids like were in a behavioral facility with the way they handle situations, the therapists dont work with the clients and will cancel meetings and avoid the kids if they dont want to do sessions. Paul Fowler ran the Village retreat at Greenbrier. So many other girls were not as lucky, some not as fortunate, some whose parents had to take out second mortgages on their homes to send them there. We also had groups where wed have to do wall sits until we fell down. The Council is a group of students that the therapists select called who meet on lunch weekdays with a Therapist and discuss students who are struggling, breaking the rules, doing great, etc. My therapist would overshare with me about her husband, her children, her childhood. It is marketed as a Therapeutic Boarding School for teenage girls (14-18) who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, drug abuse, adoption issues, ADHD/ADD, ODD, etc. Seneca Health Services is a locally based provider with a holistic approach to mental health treatment and substance abuse. Several other girls have similar stories to mine and luckily my parents finally got me out of there. 1/21/2019: (SURVIVOR) I was sent away when I was thirteen because I kept going in and out of psych wards. I am starting to believe this more than ever because her so called caring therapist recomended this knowing she was not at high risk. I wasnt allowed contact with anyone except for monitored calls to my parents. In researching now during the Breaking Code Silence movement, I found out even scarier things. Everything there was bizarre, amongst teachers and therapists and heads of school all being married or related, all part of a specific Mormon sect, and all from Utah. She specializes in PTSD, depression, and anxiety. This level typically lasts around 6 months. When I was 16/17 I did all of the typical NYC teenager stuff: fake IDs, clubbing, drinking, smoking weed, late for curfew, etc. I was extremely unhappy and was sending out cries for help. She earned her Master of Arts degree and worked for 15 years in the world of non-profit where she managed and trained staff as well as facilitated educational and support groups for individuals with cognitive delays, families, and professionals. Everyday I have panic attacks and I want to die. She currently works as a Counselor at the University of North Dakota in their Counseling Center. I was turning 18 and headed to college which is why my parents chose this place. As a Master Certified Fearless Living Coach, Sheri has had extensive training in the areas of combating fear in everyday life. According to my daughters current therapist she is suffering PTSD because of the trauma she was exposed to at Greenbrier . While at Alldredge Academy, he was indicted on charges of negligent child-abuse after a resident at the program committed suicide. He currently works in private practice. When he would visit he acted like a celebrity. You know bullying is a problem in America, a type of abuse that causes real and lasting harm to those at the receiving end. The . Until I had a clean drug test show up, I was treated as if I was snorting pills. I witnessed the events of 9/11 from less than a mile away at age 6. The program was pretty much based around drum circleswhich were divided into groups depending on how well you drummed. I was turning 18 and headed to college which is why my parents chose this place. I love helping students understand the significance of their voice and the integral part they play in our school and community. She feels lucky to teach in such an amiable environment alongside her devoted and compassionate coworkers. and our you wanna save you kid? Without them, the school would not be functioning. What was not beneficial was not knowing how long I would be there, where I would be next, etc. She has obtained certification in medical terminology and been trained in Therapeutic Crisis intervention. The programs main building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rachel began working in the transformation field 30 years ago as a wilderness instructor for SUWS and continued her work with youth and adults by developing programs for nonprofit organizations internationally. As Buck Brannaman, a renowned horseman/clinician has said; Horses and life: its all the same to me.. Larissa is a Master and Mentor Certified Fearless Living Coach (CFLC), as well as a Master Certified Trainer (CFT) who facilitates change-based self-development workshops across the country. Greenbrier Academy for Girls was opened by Lionel J. Mitchell in 2007 shortly before the closure of Alldredge Academy, which was a program that Lionel Mitchell had opened in 1999. When I got to Wilderness, it was the usual: strip, squat, give up your belongings. The show they put on for our tour is NOTHING like the horrific life my daughter suffered there. TW! In her therapeutic practice, attachment, mindfulness and neurobiological perspectives inform her work; however, she often pulls from a variety of approaches to meet the needs of each girl and their families that collaborates in their healing process. Kelly came to the US many years ago to study Equine Science at the University of Wisconsin. If they do not, they receive what is called a natural consequence. Greenbrier Academy for Girls Primary and Secondary Education Pence Springs, West Virginia 337 followers Greenbrier is a therapeutic boarding school for girls ages 14-18. Academics included maybe four teachers, and we were all lumped together, it was a joke. Kristen views each topic as both an echo of the past and a whisper to our future; as such, she encourages students to apply the larger lesson into thinking of what it may mean to them as they move forward. This is a quote from an article I found that perfectly sums this up: L.J. We specialize in training for clinical and non-clinical staff on the topics of Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders. Her previous experience includes working with high school students in programs that provide disadvantaged students mentorship in applying for post-secondary school, teaching in the West Virginia public school system and mentoring in the residential department of GBA. The school loves their threats and lies so I would consider this before sending your daughter here. She then went on to work as a Student Life Supervisor at an unnamed therapeutic boarding school, before coming to Greenbrier. He and his wife Laura retired around 2015/2016. I believe in the benefits of equine assisted therapy and feel fortunate to be able to provide the girls at GBA the opportunity to develop a deeper sense of what horsemanship can teach us, Kelly says. I left two months early, have a full time job doing what I want to do, am taking classes at my local college, and being able to function as a normal teen without being locked up in that school. They are permitted to use the internet for recreational purposes during the weekend study-hall, but use is still closely monitored by staff. I stood up to him. After he talked to her, I lost contact with my parents. About Greenbrier Academy for Girls Greenbrier is a therapeutic boarding school with an immersive program specifically designed to reestablish core beliefs. As the assistant to the medical coordinator I am passionate about the girls being comfortable and safe, says Jessica. She finds it tremendously rewarding to witness her students journeys as they find strength and self-worth through honoring their unique creative expression, whether it be through visual art or through the power of drumming. Sheila was drawn to Greenbrier Academy for Girls because of her personal connection to the mission and purpose of GBA. Greenbrier Academy for Girls has been a NATSAP member since 2016. He is still in charge of the school and featured on the website. kids are abused, manipulated, and gaslighted, and taught everything wrong. We started to hear rumors about the founder of the school, Lionel J. Mitchell, and his previous program, Aldredge Academy, which was shut down after a student killed himself. Through her work, Larissa is committed to creating safe spaces for self-expression and empowering others to live their best lives yet. I was only allowed a monitored 15-minute phone call, once a week, where I was allowed to speak to my parents. Several years later she was able to share a touch of Costa Rica with her own students during an educational travel program. I had barely any communication with my parents to help me with the process. We have engaged an education consultant and are evaluating a few potential schools. I was also not able to talk to my parents about it and sense all calls are supervised and social calls will be ended if therapy related things are brought up there is no way to actually tell your parents what is going on in less you are willing to break the rules for it. Although I was blessed with a good therapist not many girls are and when they ask to switch, the school will not allow it. They were so condescending calling me a spoiled brat and snickering. (25 to Life: Ep 2 Breaking Code Silence), Troubled Teen Industry, I had a very privileged childhood growing up in NYC. , which was a program that Lionel Mitchell had opened in 1999. He also works closely with our Admissions Team to usher families through the admissions process and communicate effectively with referral sources within the industry. Paul Fowler has over 18 years of experience working with adolescents in a therapeutic environment; six of which were spent facilitating Greenbrier's Healing Village Retreat. They did weird therapy rituals, including something called brain spotting where my therapist tried to intimidate me into hypnosis to relive my rape. She comes to the Greenbrier Valley via her hometown of Denver, CO to pursue her passion of helping adolescent girls heal. She enjoyed being a role model to the girls so much that, after leaving in 2014 to care for her daughter, she returned to her position in 2017. She did not lie or steal and she did not harm herself or anyone else. Jessica has completed an Associates degree from University of Phoenix in Health Care Administration and Medical Records. Ginger Cooney (Cooley?) 3, Pence Springs, WV 24962. . This is the first level at Greenbrier. She even came up to the Village, where we slept in a yurt and used a sweat lodge, and told the group that we do not know what bad is because her dad hit her as a child. nobody gave us any closure on what happened to her, and i wish i did. My parents and aunt are looking into Greenbrier Academy, and from the outside it honestly looks good. I have seen some incredible outcomes due to the overall vision of our program., One of the greatest parts of this position is getting to see firsthand the changes made in the girls that pass through our doors says Alicia. I was not a bad kid, I was a hurt kid, and my parents were scared. My mom worked hard to get me to graduate early due to the dishonesty, and incompetence of the school and they still have not given my family money back for a trip I was supposed to go on. The tuition is reported to be around $42,000 per year. Restraining a minor with PTSD should be a crime. , as a student who was there for 2 years, get the hell out, get your child out, dont sent them here. Reportedly, once every three months, about 10-15 girls hike about a mile and a half up the mountain in the middle of the night in complete silence. On an important decision, one rarely has 100% of the information needed for a good decision, no matter how much one spends or how long one waits. I would also consider the fact that there have been multiple drug problems where girls have brought things in so if you want a safe environment, this is not the place. Anyways, there were many abuses that took place and it was awful. They also may become a village elder if they attended all directions and a Solo. He then founded Greenbrier Academy in 2007 and has worked as the Director/Owner ever since. Lisa Davis comes to Greenbrier with a lifelong passion for helping others and over a decade of experience working with children and families. He left to open his own program for boys, but this project never came to fruition. He has been married for 25 years and has four children. She would give my parents advice and shame them for giving me an allowance and paying for my phone bill because her children paid for themselves. My parents finally listened to me through my subtle cries for help, but put me in a different program called Auldern Academy in NC. , i am a student at the school currently and i feel like after being here for 2 years it is done helping me. In another, they are buried alive. They had zip-ties and the man told me he was a former cop and asked if I wanted to do this the hard way or the easy way. i saw a girl swallow a bunch of nails there, and was taken away. May be wondering why GBA would be trying so hard to make sure nobody sees this I have never seen a worse place in my entire life. There were some good people, I honestly loved the most RAs. A former kindergarten teacher and present creative and performing artist, Larissa believes wholeheartedly in the powers of creativity, exploration, play, messiness, vulnerability and interpersonal human connection. From dorm rooms to grounds keeping and everything in between, she strongly believes that crafting well-designed spaces for studying, entertaining and relaxation are key to your daughters growth. Ashley holds a Bachelors of Social Work with a Minor in Pre-Law & Legal Studies from Concord University and a Masters of Social Work from Concord University. I developed anorexia at age 11, I was put in rehab at age 13, and I was in and out of there until I was 17. Meeting Amber may be the best answer to their questions, as she credits working at Greenbrier Academy as being a turning point in her own life direction. I developed anorexia at age 11, I was put in rehab at age 13, and I was in and out of there until I was 17. She enjoys practicing yoga, cooking and trying new things. Misty joined Greenbrier Academy as a Residential Advisor in 2017. She began her career as a Field Instructor at an unnamed wilderness program. Wendy Eddy sums up her philosophy with a quote from Leo Buscalia: CounselingCertainly this is what counseling is; A process, not of my wanting to make you over in my own image, as I would desire you; but, my wanting to lead you back to yourself, to what you are, to your uniqueness, to your original beauty.. They had zip-ties and the man told me he was a former cop and asked if I wanted to do this the hard way or the easy way. Greenbrier Middle School Inspire, Empower, Engage 1016 Greenbrier Pkwy Chesapeake, VA 23320 Phone: 757-548-5309 Clinic: 757-548-0472 Fax: 757-548-8921 Her lifes passion has always been to reach out and help those who are less fortunate. He is still in charge of the school and featured on the website. She enters students into art contests at the local Carnegie Hall and promotes their involvement in the charity event Empty Bowls. She also accompanies her drumming performance group to local schools, churches, festivals and private events in the area. What's Fishbowl Ask a Question 4.0 Former Employee, more than 3 years Great Company Culture Jan 30, 2023 - Teacher in Alderson, WV Recommend CEO Approval Business Outlook Pros Dr. Slife is a co-owner, executive board member, therapist/counselor trainer, family program facilitator, and consulting clinical psychologist at Greenbrier Academy. The teacher missed it all. Susie Blankenship has worked as an Administrator at Greenbrier since 2011. We see them do it on a daily basis and its always rewarding to hear from that Alumni student who says, I made it!.. She meets clients where they are with empathy, compassion and skill. A girl kissed me during truth or dare and ten girls told on me, so I was not allowed to go home for Christmas. if you love your child, LOVE THEM. Feb 3, . I have been receiving therapy after GBA to treat the PTSD & Boarding School Syndrome I have from the school. Serving as both our art teacher and drumming coordinator, her inventiveness is put to good use at our school. He previously worked at. Once someone tried to break into the school at night. Prior to joining Greenbrier, Ashley worked with families & adolescents in multiple settings including the public school system, individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy. These reports have not been confirmed. It is marketed as a Therapeutic Boarding School for teenage girls (14-18) who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, drug abuse, adoption issues, ADHD/ADD, ODD, etc. The programs main building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Girls sit on the sunporch for hours everyday and about 8 on Sundays because there is nothing to do. There I was forced to read it to complete strangers. Motivated by her love of travel, she studied abroad for some time at Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence, Italy. After all of these years, he is still profiting off of this abusive industry. She believes that every client deserves the best quality of life and strives to care for every client and their experience while providing tools to improve their quality of life. worked as an Nurse at Greenbrier. what i am experiancing is what i would call abuse along with a dirty living environment and unfit therapists along with staff. The food was horrible , verbal and physical assaults by other students was a reoccuring theme , there is no real education ( be prepared for your daughter to lose a year of proper education ) , theft is as normal as going to the bathroom there ! Over the years he has tried many versions of his programs, from calling them survival schools to what is now his latest approach to troubled teens called Therapeutic Boarding School for Girls in WV -An article in WV news from 2011. When parents tour Greenbrier Academy, they often ask about the programs model and how it works. Prior to her position at GBA, she was employed for 12 years as a licensed professional counselor for a rural residential treatment facility in WV for adolescents who were in temporary custody of the state. Outside of GBA, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and three dogs. He has been with Seneca Health Services since 2006. Greenbrier Academy is an all-girls' therapeutic boarding school that integrates personal discovery, character development . Dr. Noel Jewell and Physicians Assistant Theresa Sears of Seneca Health Services serve as Greenbriers psychiatric consulting team for medication management. Google Scholar. 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